Al-Khaleej 1-3 Al-Ahli: Riyad Mahrez opens his account in Saudi Arabia

Former Man City star Riyad Mahrez opens his account in Saudi Arabia with a goal in Al-Ahli’s 3-1 win over Al-Khaleej, with Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez also scoring just a week after move from Roma

  • Al-Ahli made it two wins from two in the Saudi Pro League by beating Al-Khaleej
  • Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal in Saudi Arabia just before the half-time break
  • WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show

Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal since joining Al-Ahli, as his new club made it two wins from two in the Saudi Pro League by seeing off Al-Khaleej 3-1.

Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez put the visitors ahead within the opening ten minutes, just a week after his move from Serie A side Roma. His team-mate Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City, made it two just before half-time with a smart finish from inside the penalty area.

Mansour Hamzi came off the bench for the hosts at half-time, and scored within 15 minutes past ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to halve the deficit. Then after 11 minutes of stoppage time, winger Sumayhan Al-Nabit added a third to seal it for Al-Ahli, assisted by former Newcastle man Allan Saint-Maximin. 

Al-Ahli started life in the top-flight of Saudi Arabian football this season by beating Al-Hazem – also by a 3-1 scoreline, with former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino scoring a hat-trick.

More to follow…  

Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal since joining Al-Ahli as they won 3-1 against Al-Khaleej

Former Roma defender Roger Ibanez put the visitors ahead within the opening ten minutes

Ex-Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin made an assist, while Eduoard Mendy was in goal 

MATCH FACTS

Al-Khaleej (4-2-3-1): Sehic, Al-Owdah, Al-Khabrani (Al-Shanqiti 88′), Lopez, Rebocho, Al-Sumairi (Hawsawi 46′), Jung, Al-Ibrahim (Hamzi 46′), Rodrigues (Al Dubais 88′), Martins (Al Adban 90+4′), Al-Salem

Goal: Hamzi 58′ 

Booked: Jung, Rodrigues

Manager: Pedro Emanuel

Al-Ahli (4-2-3-1): Alioski, Hindi, Ibanez, Majrashi (Alhurayji 90+7′), Kessie, Aljohani (Al-Nabit 62′), Saint-Maximin, Boudebouz (Al-Mogren 81′), Mahrez (Al-Ali 82′), Alrashidi (Al-Majhad 63′)

Goals: Ibanez 9′, Mahrez 45+1′, Al-Nabit 90+11′ 

Booked: Ibanez, Al-Majhad, Al-Ali 

Manager: Matthias Jaissle

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